ALMOST 500 people in Liskeard have joined a campaign to save and improve the town's biggest park.

The Cornwall Council-owned Castle Park is often the target of vandals and other anti-social activity, but many local people feel it is an area that could be improved for the good of the town.

On Saturday night, vandals tried to set fire to the safely surface under the park's play equipment (see 999 on page 9). Cormac has already repaired the damage.

Young mum of two Toria Tanton, 27, has started the Facebook page 'Save Our Castle Park' and has received much support for her calls to get something done.

A committee is now working to come up with fundraising and match-funding ideas. Toria said: 'This is the biggest park in Liskeard, surrounded by three housing estates full of families, but there is nothing here for small children. There is not even a slide, and there are no baby swings in the whole of the town. Thorn Park, run by the town council, is better but it is too far away for many people. It's ridiculous the most populated part of the town has barely any facilities.'

Toria also said that more use could be made of the large grassed area beyond the play park. She said: 'Community events could be held there and we are thinking about some outdoor gym equipment. The area is mainly used by dog walkers, most of who are really responsible and have joined the campaign, but there are a few who spoil it for the rest and don't pick up after their dogs.

'We have spoken to the headteacher at nearby St Martin's School, who is happy to back our campaign and get the children involved in different ways to help improve the park through fundraising.'

Emma McGowan, who has children aged three and four, said: 'This is my town and there is nowhere close by for them to play. The council will do repairs because they have to, but they won't replace vandalised equipment. Soon we will lose what we have and the kids will be left with nothing. The police need to sort out the vandals.'

Tracey Harvey, 52, who was born and lives in adjacent Lake Lane, said: 'I grew up playing in this park. It was lovely and me and my friends used to spend hours in here. The men had a football pitch and the Church School used to use it for sports. Now it's disgusting. It's sad to see it vandalised, and it's also used for drinking, with cans and also needles left on the ground. I am glad people are now banding together to get something done.'

Cornwall Councillor Sally Hawken said: 'Working with Cornwall Council's community link officer for this area, a meeting is planned for the week beginning July 27. The intention would be to look at ways forward with the park's new community group, Cornwall Council Parks, the police, Clean Liskeard and the town council.

'It is worth saying that Castle Park is well used and much loved and the majority of those who spend time in it are considerate and thoughtful to others.'